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Ms. Marcia Alvarez

Programs Support
Plan International- Cameroon
 

Brief Biography:


Culturally aware career professional highly committed to alleviating reproductive and sexual health issues within multicultural populations. First-hand knowledge of international environments and exposure to poverty and its public health ramifications in Africa, Europe, Latin American, and Caribbean. Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Fluent in English with ability to converse in French and Spanish. KEY STRENGTHS Health Education Proposal Writing & Development Research & Data Analysis Needs Assessments Writing & Editing Literature Review Client Advocacy Long-Range Planning Reporting & Documentation Outreach & Communication Procurement & Logistics Database Management EDUCATION M.Sc., Public Health/ Reproductive and Sexual Health Research, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, England, 2010–2011 Masters Thesis: “Influence of Perceived Gender Norms on Female Genital Cutting” M.A., Chemistry Education, Hunter College CUNY, New York, NY, 2001–2003 B.Sc., Plant and Soil Science, Tuskegee University, Tuskegee, AL, 1994–1999

 

Academic positions:


Graduate Student at London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine

 

Research interests:


Reproductive and Sexual Health, Reproductive and Sexual Health Behavior, Family Planning Programs, Female Genital Cutting Practices, Evidence based interventions.

 

Any other information:


I have conducted qualitative and quantitative research for a study investigating best delivery methods for Depo Provera (birth control contraceptive). Analyzed health surveys and clinical studies and interviewed women to identify issues with personal usage. o Concluded necessity for teaching women how to use contraceptive methods and building capacity at community level by expanding contraceptive’s availability through community-based mechanisms. I participated in student project that developed proposal for improving hygiene, sanitation, and nutrition for Zambian women living with HIV/AIDS. Proposal included budget, logistical framework, timeline, and monitoring and evaluation plan; submitted to London School of Hygiene and Zambia WASH forum. I conducted a literature review on scope of female genital cutting and attempts to eradicate practice. Reviewed existing studies, literature, and projects and used information to develop strategy for accessing hard to reach Somali populations in N.E. Kenya. I am currently the Reproductive Health Intern at IRC-Baltimore and I am preparing for apply to London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine for PhD in Reproductive and Sexual Health.

 

What I think of the idea behind WebmedCentral:


I think that the concept behind WebmedCentral is absolutely fantastic. It increases the accessibility of information to an increasingly diverse population of problem solvers who are hungry for more current and credible information across a variety of disciplines. I believe that it will also contribute to broadening the scope, depth, and perspectives of many esteemed specialists who are charged with implementing research findings in the field to improve public health. It would be a great learning experience and a privilege to contribute to this effort, even in the smallest capacity.